Maximum concealment holster and shorts combination

ABSTRACT

The invention is a concealed carry holster for handguns. The holster comprises a pair of shorts comprising a lightweight material such as spandex and having a waist opening and two leg openings. The shorts comprise a waistband around the waist opening. A drawstring may be provided in the waistband for providing additional support in securing the holster and firearm to the body of the wearer. Non-slip material may be provided around each leg opening. This non-slip material may include elastic material. A holster piece attaches to the exterior of the shorts in the crotch region. In one embodiment, the holster piece is formed in the shape of an uppercase “A.” In this embodiment, a lower region of the holster piece is sewn into the shorts using industrial strength stitching. A fastening means such as Velcro®, secures the upper region of the holster piece to the shorts. The holster piece is arranged such that a user can pass his hand down his pants or exterior shorts to easily retrieve a handgun stowed within the holster.

There are no related patent applications.

This application did not receive federal research and developmentfunding.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Generally, the present invention relates to shorts that are outfittedwith a secure concealment pocket fit to hold a small caliber handgun.More specifically, the pocket is positioned in the front crotch area andis easily accessed by a slight pulling on the waistband from either theright or left hand side.

While the right to bear arms is granted to private citizens, theinvention is particularly ideal for individuals involved in lawenforcement, the Federal Bureau of Investigations, Drug EnforcementAgency, Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, as well as military employees.Individuals in such fields are particularly vulnerable to attack, thusthe ability to conceal a weapon in an unexpected place could potentiallysave lives.

Members of our law enforcement forces are constantly in perilouspositions. Thus, their ability to effectively defend themselves is ofgreat importance. In today's world, the ability to defend one oftendirectly correlates with the use of a gun. In fact, many law enforcementworkers carry both a primary weapon, and one or more back up weapons.

Additionally, the Second Amendment's “Right to Bear Arms” Clause grantsthe people the right to keep and bear arms. Coinciding with this grantare the concealed-carry weapons laws prevalent in many states. Manycitizens have relied on these laws to ensure that they are equipped todefend themselves should it become necessary.

To feed this ever-growing demand, an array of products have beenintroduced. These products intend to equip both law enforcement and theprivate citizen. The majority of the prior art utilizes a holster tomeet its objective. U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,265,781 and 3,227,336 disclosehandgun holsters that are worn inside the lower garment, but depend onsupport from the user's belt or waistband. These patents are ineffectivefor law enforcement forces and for any user who makes substantialmovements. The holster is not secured to anything structurally sound andthus does not stay in place. Additionally, U.S. Pat. No. 3,168,972 showsa swivel joint between the belt loop and holster that allows the user toput their gun in the holster and have it hang from their pants. However,this holster is on a movable joint and thus is not securely held in anangular position and so it moves around during strenuous activity by thewearer. Therefore, the waist or belt mountable holsters may be suitablefor a private user who does not plan to move around too much, but areuseless to law enforcement and active citizens.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,260,089 introduces a shoulder holster. This classicholster is a traditional place for law enforcement to carry a back up orprimary weapon. However, because this fact is so widely known, it putsthese individuals at a disadvantage. Criminals know that it is commonpractice to utilize a shoulder holster thus any move toward grabbing thegun is a sign to them. Also, they may also assume a gun is there and tryto take it from the individual. Moreover, shoulder holsters offer littleconcealment because the user must wear a large shirt or jacket to coverthe gun. In periods of hot weather, the private citizen is unable toeffectively use a shoulder holster. Finally, it has also been documentedthat it is difficult for people of larger girth to draw from a shoulderholster which leads to ineffective use of the holster.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,176,402 discloses an ankle holster system. The ankleholster system is also a classic back up weapon system. However, itpresents certain disadvantages because of the difficulty encountered indrawing the weapon. When law enforcement or private citizens aredefending themselves or others, it is cumbersome to reach to one's ankleand quickly retrieve a weapon from an ankle holster.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,170,919 discloses a pouch with a concealed interior thatis worn like a fanny pack. This pouch is unsuitable for use by an entireclass of individuals. Citizens who are in suits or dresses are unable toutilize the pouch. More importantly, the user has no control over theweapon. Criminals can either tear the pouch from the user or the pouchmay inadvertently be left behind. Also, fanny packs are useless to lawenforcement personnel in carrying weapons because they are not concealedfrom public view.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,909,834 discloses a vest replete with a carrying pocketfor a gun. This invention also has problems related to control over thegun. As with the fanny pack, the vest could be taken off and left, orsimply stolen. Additionally, because the user could not take the vestoff, it presents a comfort and ease of use problem. Similarly U.S. Pat.No. 5,671,830 discloses a briefcase with hidden compartments. Thispatent also shares the same control and discomfort issues. However, italso presents a new problem because of the slow access it affords theuser. If attacked, the user must somehow open and access the gunquickly. This response is highly complicated and thus the briefcase isnot likely to be helpful in a crisis. More importantly, it is completelyineffective for law enforcement officers because they cannot carryaround briefcases during their ordinary police activities.

Finally U.S. Pat. No. 5,551,711 relays a concealed weapon holder for thecar. While this invention serves a certain audience, it is alsoineffective for anyone planning on defending himself or herself outsideof the car.

Reviewing the holsters reveals that it is clear that there has yet to bean invention that serves the needs of law enforcement personnel or theactive private citizen.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention is a concealed carry holster for handguns. The holstercomprises a pair of shorts comprising a lightweight material such asspandex and having a waist opening and two leg openings. The shortscomprise a waistband around the waist opening. A drawstring may beprovided in the waistband for providing additional support in securingthe holster and firearm to the body of the wearer. Non-slip material maybe provided around each leg opening for further aiding in the carryingof a concealed handgun. This non-slip material may include elasticmaterial.

A holster piece attaches to the exterior of the shorts in the frontalcrotch region. In the preferred embodiment, the holster piece istypically formed in the shape of an uppercase “A.” A lower region of theholster piece is sewn into the shorts using industrial strengthstitching. A fastening means such as Velcro®, secures the upper regionof the holster piece to the shorts.

In a further embodiment, the holster piece is individualized for eitherleft-handed or right-handed weapon retrieval. In this embodiment, theholster includes a top edge that is longer than the bottom edge and afirst edge of the holster that is nearest the trigger forms right anglesto the top and bottom edges. A second edge of the holster, most furtherfrom the trigger, forms an angle with the bottom that is greater thanninety degrees and an angle with the top that is less than ninetydegrees. Stitching near the first edge is generally in the shape of anoutline of the trigger guard and barrel or lower receiver of the weapon.This stitching helps secure the weapon in place.

The holster piece is arranged such that a user can pass his hand downhis pants or exterior shorts to easily retrieve a handgun stowed withinthe holster.

The invention at hand features important improvements in comfort,control, accessibility, and in the element of surprise. It is also novelbecause it presents a new and secure alternative for weapon concealmentthat does not involve the use of a traditional holster. The inventioncomprises shorts made of nylon and/or spandex with a sturdy waistband.To offer additional safety, non-slip bases are placed around each legopening of the shorts. A six-inch by six-inch pocket is double-stitchedon the top and bottom into the front crotch area with either nylon orplastic. Approximately, five inches of industrial strength Velcro® issewn along the side seams for form a secure pocket that allows access tothe inner contents. Notably, one inch of the side seam may be left opento allow the user to quickly insert their finger and pull apart theVelcro®.

Alternatively, the invention may be manufactured without the frontalflap and the industrial strength Velcro® along the side seams. In thisembodiment of the invention, the holster is comprised of a pocketdouble-stitched onto the front crotch of the shorts in which the upperportion of the holster remains open, allowing the holster to fit moreclosely against the body and for easier access to the gun. The holstermay be manufactured so that the wearer may choose an embodiment that isdesigned for a singularly left or right sided draw of the gun from theshorts. The dimensions and features of this pocket are specificallydesigned to hold small caliber, ‘back up’ weapons (preferably a .380caliber handgun). Larger caliber weapons are harder to conceal, and muchheavier, thus they are rarely used as a ‘back up’ weapon.

The present invention makes great advancements toward providing a morecomfortable weapon concealment system. For one, the shorts can be wornunder any type of clothing. Most of the prior art presented cumbersomerestrictions requiring the user to wear a jacket, long pants, or someother limitation. Also, most holsters are built to fit a man's frame,and thus are uncomfortable on a female's smaller frame. The presentinvention eliminates this problem because the spandex shorts easilyconform to every individual's unique frame. Finally, the holsters thatcomprise the prior art tend to move around and thus cause discomfort.The present invention also alleviates this problem because the tautspandex conforms to the user's body and therefore holds the weaponsecurely. Therefore, the user may comfortably conceal their weapon, evenduring the most strenuous activity. Complete freedom of body movement isparticularly ideal for law enforcement personnel because their job is sophysically demanding.

Control over one's weapon is also a vital element of a weaponconcealment system. A great deal of the prior art, such as briefcasesand fanny packs, is disappointing because it can easily be taken off andleft, or ripped from one's body. The present invention ensures that theuser will have complete control over their weapon at all times. In thepresent invention, the weapon is concealed safely within anothergarment, thus the user cannot inadvertently displace the weapon or haveit stolen from their person.

The user's ability to access their weapon is another importantcharacteristic needed in a weapon concealment system. In the past, someof the prior art, most notably the ankle holsters, have ignored thisrequirement. For the user to make effective use out of their concealedweapon they must be able to retrieve it. The current invention servesthis need because it is easily and quickly accessible to the user. Theuser need only pull on the waistband to grab and pull out their weapon.

Finally, in any attack the element of surprise often determines thevictor. As the prior art shows, hiding a weapon along the lower portionof one's abdomen is not a common trend. Therefore, the present inventionoffers law enforcement and the private citizen the ability to regain theelement of surprise against an attacker. Usually back up weapons arecarried on ankles, or in shoulder holsters. This fact has become suchcommon knowledge that the attacker often reacts once the individualreaches toward those areas. Or even worse, the attacker takes the weaponfrom its hiding place before the user has an opportunity to.Consequently, storing a back up weapon in an unexpected place has thepotential to save the user's life.

The present invention offers several embodiments intended to offer thegreatest utility and comfort to every user. First, the pocket can bealtered into different sizes to fit a user's individual gun. Also, thepocket may singularly accessible from either the right or left-handedside. This allows the user to decide whether they are more comfortabledrawing with their weak or strong side and then to get the correspondingaccess pocket. Also, the instant invention can be made with onetriangularly shaped, ambidextrous pocket that allows extraction fromeither side.

The present invention improves the comfort, mobility, ease of access,and ability of surprise of and is therefore superior to other weaponconcealment systems. A concealment system must do many things. For one,it must provide a secure harness where the gun can be stored.Additionally, a concealment system must allow the user to remain combatready, while at the same time allowing them to be comfortable. Alsoimportant, the concealment system must adequately conceal the weapon.The instant invention meets all of these objectives because the frontpocket provides a safe place where the gun will not move, even duringstrenuous activity. This invention also allows the user easy access tothe gun, thus enabling them to be ready for combat at any time. Yet,because the short are spandex, they also afford the user a comfortablewear and support. Finally, the shorts easily conceal the weapon whenworn under other garments. Therefore, the instant invention providesmultiple ease of use improvements for the user while also upholding theobjective of a concealed weapon.

These and other objects and advantages of the invention will be setforth, appear in part or become apparent after considering thespecification and accompanying drawings. It is to be realized that thefollowing embodiments of the invention have been represented in theirsimplest form for ease in understanding the invention. The aboveexplanations are provided to illustrate the utility of the invention.And, by no means necessary were these explanations intended to limit theapplication of this invention to other purposes.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective side view of the holster of the presentinvention.

FIG. 2 is an elevation view of the holster from the front and showingthe holster in use and securing a handgun therein.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the holster from the front and showingthe holster piece folded downward to expose the handgrip of the pistolstored therein.

FIG. 4 is an elevation view of the inside surface of the holster pieceseparated from the shorts portion of the holster.

FIG. 5 is a plan view of the holster from above and showing a handgunsecured within the holster.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the holster whichis designed for a left-handed draw.

FIG. 7 is an overhead view of the embodiment of the holster of FIG. 6and showing the holster separate from the shorts.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIGS. 1-3 are various perspective views of a first embodiment of theholster 50 and showing it holding a pistol. In FIG. 1, the flap 4 of theholster piece 3 is fastened to an upper region of the shorts 1 near awaist band 5. The flap 4 includes a region of fastening material denotedas 8. The fastening material 8 includes a first strip of fasteningmaterial 8A, as shown in FIG. 4. A strip of complementary fasteningmaterial 8B is fastened to the front of the shorts and in contact withthe fastening material 8A. The shapes of the fastening material 8A and8B are identical. Preferably, the lower stitching 33 formed between eachof the openings 6 is identical in shape to the fastening materials 8.This lower stitching 33 includes a plurality of top stitches 33B thatconnect with two other plurality of stitches 33A, 33C formed at obtuseangles to the top stitches 33B. The fastening material may be hook andloop material sold under the brand name of Velcro®.

The grip region of the handgun 2 extends from one of the two obliquesidewalls of the holster piece 3 and between fastening materials 8A, 8B.The holster 50 is designed for ambidextrous use and includes a pair oflower openings 6 with each opening towards a thigh region of the shorts1. These openings 6 accommodate the barrel or a firearm. By providing anopening near the bottom of the holster on both legs of the shorts, theholster advantageously is an ambidextrous holster for facing the butt ofthe gun grip towards either the left or right.

The shorts 1 include a waist opening 5 that comprises elastic forsecuring the shorts onto a waist of the wearer. The shorts furtherinclude a pair of short legs that are each longer than the holster pieceeach includes an opening 7 that preferably comprises elastic material.The holster strip 3 resembles a capital “A” and includes a top edge 36.Sides 37, 38 extend from each end of the top edge 36 to define a firstside of an opening 6 in a lower region 45. The sides 37, 38 intersecttop edge 36 at oblique angles to be oblique sides. An upper region 9 ofeach oblique side includes Velcro®. This upper region 9 of the holsterpiece 3, along with the top edge 36, defines the flap 4 that may befolded down to provide easy access to the grip of the handgun 2. Abottom edge 44 of the holster piece 3 includes a second pair of obliqueedges 44A, 44C, shown in FIG. 4. The oblique edges 44A, 44C are parallelto the sides 37, 38. The oblique edges 44A, 44C help defines the secondside of the openings 6. The oblique edges 44A, 44C connect to an upperedge 44B of the bottom edge that is parallel to the top edge 36 of theholster piece. Preferably, the stitches in stitching 31-33 compriseindustrial strength stitching.

The holster 50 generally comprises an upper region 40 and a lower region45, as shown in FIG. 3. The upper region 40 includes fastening material8 running along an exterior edge 9 and including a 36 and two obliquesides 37, 38 that extend into the lower region 45. The lower region 45includes stitching 31, 32 along respective oblique sides and includes aseparate stitching 33 that forms support for a trigger guard on afirearm disposed within the holster 50.

FIGS. 6 and 7 are views of another embodiment of the holster designed tobe singularly accessible from left-hand side. It is apparent that thestitching on the holster piece may be reversed to create a holster 90that may be accessible from the right-hand side. The holster 90 isdouble-stitched to the shorts 1 and is comprised of seams 11, 12 thatcreate a holster shape to secure the gun inside the holster 90. Theholster 90 provides an upper opening 10, through which the gun 2 may beinserted. The upper opening 10 is parallel to the waistband 5. Theholster 90 also provides a lower opening 13 through which the barrel ofthe gun 2 may be threaded. The lower opening is parallel to the waistband 5 and upper opening 10. Preferably, the side seams 11, 12, 15-17 ofthe holster 90 comprise industrial strength stitching. Seams 11 aredouble stitched, as shown. Stitching 16 is generally in the shape of atrigger guard of weapon 2 and connects at opposite ends to stitching 17,15 which are parallel to one another. It should be noted that mosthandguns include trigger guards in accord with that shown in FIG. 6.This profile begins from the butt of the handgun and extends along thetrigger guard and to the barrel as represented by stitching 16. As moreclearly shown in FIG. 7, the holster piece includes a back piece 75. Theholster piece 90 comprises top 81 which has a longer length than bottom82. Side 84 attaches between top 81 and bottom 82 and intersects eachpreferably at ninety degree angles. Side 83 preferably intersects bottom82 at an obtuse angle and top 81 at an acute angle.

While the invention has been described with respect to preferredembodiments, it is apparent to those skilled in the art that changes,modifications and additions may be made to the herein describedembodiments without departing from the scope of the invention.Accordingly, it is intended that all matter contained in the abovedescription or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpretedas illustrative and not in a limiting sense or use.

1. A conceal carry holster comprising: an undergarment comprising shortsthat include a crotch region, a waist opening and two leg openings, thewaist opening comprising a means of fastening the shorts around a waistof a wearer; and, a holster panel having upper and lower regionsattached to said shorts in the front crotch region to create a pocketfor accepting a handgun, such that the upper region detachably engagesthe shorts to allow for a handgun to be deposited in and withdrawn fromsaid pocket while still providing support for the handgun when the upperregion of the holster panel engages the shorts, said lower region beingattached to the crotch region of the shorts via stitching.
 2. Theconceal carry holster of claim 1 further comprising a fastening meansthat secures the upper region of the holster panel to a crotch region ofthe shorts comprising a hook and loop material.
 3. The conceal carryholster of claim 1 wherein the means of fastening the shorts around awaist of a wearer include an elastic band of material that contracts tosecure the waist opening about the waist of the wearer.
 4. The concealcarry holster of claim 1 wherein the means of fastening the shortsaround a waist of a wearer includes a draw-string that passes about thewaist opening.
 5. The conceal carry holster of claim 1 wherein thepocket includes two openings near the lower region of the holster paneland arranged to open towards the leg openings of the shorts, such thatthe shorts may serve either a left-hand withdrawal or a right-handwithdrawal of the handgun.
 6. The conceal carry holster of claim 1wherein said holster panel comprises a strip of material that is formedin the exterior shape of an uppercase “A.”
 7. The conceal carry holsterof claim 6 includes the holster piece comprising an upper region and alower region, said upper region having fastening material running alongan exterior edge thereof and including a top and two oblique sides thatextend into the lower region, said lower region including stitchingalong each of the oblique sides and including a separate stitching thatforms support for a trigger guard on a firearm disposed within theholster, said separate stitching running in a line and formed in a sameshape as the fastening material
 8. A conceal carry holster for a handguncomprising: a holster piece comprising an upper region and a lowerregion, said upper region having fastening material running along anexterior edge thereof and including a top and two oblique sides thatextend into the lower region, said lower region including stitchingalong each of the oblique sides and including a separate stitching thatforms support for a trigger guard on a firearm disposed within theholster, said separate stitching running in a line and formed in a sameshape as the fastening material; and, an undergarment comprising shortsthat include a crotch region, a waist opening and two leg openings, thewaist opening comprising a means of fastening the shorts around thewaist of the wearer and having complementary fastening material formedin the same shape as the fastening material of the upper region to matetherewith to secure the firearm disposed within the holster wherein thestitching along each oblique side and the separate stitching that formssupport for the trigger guard on the firearm disposed within the holsterfastens the holster piece to the undergarment.
 9. The conceal carryholster of claim 8 further comprising a fastening means that secures theupper region of the holster piece to a crotch region of the shorts andcomprises a hook and loop material.
 10. The conceal carry holster ofclaim 8 wherein the means of fastening the shorts around a waist of awearer include an elastic band of material that contracts to secure thewaist opening about the waist of the wearer.
 11. The conceal carryholster of claim 8 wherein the means of fastening the shorts around awaist of a wearer includes a draw-string that passes about the waistopening.
 12. The conceal carry holster of claim 8 wherein the pocketincludes two openings near the lower region of the holster panel andarranged to open towards the leg openings of the shorts, such that theshorts may serve either a left-hand withdrawal or a right-handwithdrawal of the handgun.
 13. The conceal carry holster of claim 8wherein said holster panel comprises a strip of material that is formedin the shape of an uppercase “A.”
 14. A conceal carry holster for ahandgun comprising: a holster piece comprising an upper opening and alower opening, said upper opening is parallel to the lower opening andhaving a top, bottom, and two sides, each side comprising doublestitching; and, an undergarment comprising shorts that include a crotchregion, a waist opening and two leg openings, the waist openingcomprising a means of fastening the shorts around the waist of thewearer and having complementary fastening material formed in the sameshape as the fastening material of the upper region to mate therewith tosecure the firearm disposed within the holster.
 15. The conceal holsterof claim 14 wherein stitching on one of the two sides includes stitchingshaped in a profile of a handgun, said profile extending from a butt ofthe handgun and includes at least the shape of a trigger guard andbarrel.